Industrial cleaners are essential in many areas of business, but can be harmful to humans, wildlife, and the environment due to the chemicals used within these products. While companies require these items to clean parts, equipment, flooring, and for certain manufacturing processes, products designed without eco-friendliness in mind create numerous safety concerns. Cleaning products used in industrial environments not only contain tough abrasives, but also contain several hazardous ingredients. Cleaners formulated for home use have numerous manufactured or chemically based ingredients. Agents designed for industrial use contain an increased amount of toxins thus making the dangers of improper handling increasingly important. Eco-friendly alternatives eliminate a vast amount of complications experienced with traditional chemicals used for industrial cleaning and contaminant removal processes. Deciding to switch to greener choices decreases health costs, ensures the ability to meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements, and limits the impact made on the atmosphere when performing these necessary industrial processes.

What Risks Are Associated with Volatile Industrial Cleaners?

Industrial cleaners contribute to a number of health problems as individuals are exposed to dangerous toxins. The chemicals used by these products create certain risks due to the volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) they release during use. These compounds pollute the atmosphere as they are released into the air, enter water sources, and leak into the ground. Improper use or storage of industrial cleaners can result in these health complications:

• Upper Respiratory Conditions
• Eye Irritation
• Light Headiness
• Nausea
• Skin Irritation
• Allergic Reactions

Prolonged exposure to volatile cleaners has also been linked to more chronic conditions, which result in increased insurance costs and loss of work. Improper handling of agents containing toxic ingredients not only causes the health complications mentioned above, but also results in the release of toxins into the atmosphere. Cleaners naturally release toxins as volatile components evaporate or as the remaining product is disposed of.

Environmental concerns include the decreased quality of water due toxins entering local water and soil sources. Industrial cleaners have been found in soil, which directly impacts local plant and wildlife in addition to human health. The release of volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere contributes to pollution by reducing indoor and outdoor air quality. Toxins found in industrial cleaners present many problems; however, companies have several options outside of these traditional choices to accomplish defined needs and prevent harm to the environment. Eco-friendly products with these attributes are better for the atmosphere:

• Biodegradability
• Low Toxins
• Low VOCs
• Recycled Packaging
• Reduced Manufacturing Energy Use

A plethora of buying choices makes it easy to choose an effective, environmentally safe alternative. The decision to “go green” with industrial cleaners minimizes health impact among workers or building occupants, boosts indoor air quality, and reduces pollution. Safer alternatives with the ability to get the job done offer increased benefits such as disposal cost savings. Eco-friendly choices are the best approach to reducing the risks associated with harmful chemically-based agents and are a great way to implement greener practices within a business.

Industrial cleaners are necessary in a number of industries and play a pivotal safety role. For more information about environmentally friendly, low VOC products, please call (800) 886-8240 or email info@ecolink.com.